Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The May Decoration Day Sacred Harp singing held at Gum Pond Primitive Baptist Church on the fourth Sunday in May was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Vice Chairman Arvid Holmes leading 31b. The morning prayer was offered by Terry Wootten. After welcoming everyone, Arvid Holmes led 460.

The following officers were elected or appointed: Chairman—Jonathon Thompson; Vice Chairman—Arvid Holmes; Secretary—Judy Caudle.

Leaders: Judy Caudle 65; Robert Walker 145b; Henry Guthery III 108t; Delone Cobbs 288; Wilton Donaldson 317; Penina Kane 61; Michael Thompson 141; Sonya Sipes 274t; Lomax Ballinger 565; Joel Jenkins 101t; Anita Landess 389; Marlin Beasley 318; Malik Williams 37b; Reba Windom 222 (for Eloise Wootten); Randall Smith 36b; Eugene Forbes 426b; Gerald Holmes 49t; Jonathon Thompson 168; Brandon Thompson 335; Jackson Harcrow 63; Henry Guthery 434; Rodney Ivey 225t, 98; Nancy Thompson 56b.

RECESS

The singing resumed with Jonathon Thompson leading 203 and 110. Leaders: Bridgett Hill 440; Will Allred 87; Sarah Jenkins 217; Max Berueffy 528; Terry Wootten 32b; Susan Harcrow 159; Caleb Allred 312b; Elene Stovall 192; David Ivey 232; Susan Allred 399b. The class sang birthday wishes to Mrs. Martha Davis, who celebrated her 101st birthday on May 10, 2006.

A memorial session was held with Judy Caudle leading 348b in honor of the sick and shut in. She then led 459 in memory of those deceased this year: Ronda Hawkins, Nellie Jo Hampton, David Shipp, and Elsie Beasley. Also remembered were Bera Bradford, members of the Hopper family, and members of the Holmes family. The memorial was closed with prayer, offered by Terry Wootten.

Leaders: Jennifer Allred 142; J.C. Rutledge 143; Seth Allred 406; Rachel Allred 33b; Susan Holmes 441; Jonathon Thompson 294. Max Berueffy offered prayer for the noon meal.

LUNCH

The class was called to order by Jonathon Thompson leading 503 and 448t. Leaders: Geraldine Sharpton 66, 299; Michael Thompson 176b; Reba Windom 373; Randall Smith 454; Elene Stovall 172; Jackson Harcrow 97; Anita Landess 297; Henry Guthery 380; Terry Wootten 345b; Sarah Jenkins 186; Max Berueffy 517; Eugene Forbes 328; Susan Harcrow 77t; Henry Guthery III 490; Bridgett Hill 383; Joel Jenkins 155; Malik Williams 354b; David Ivey 329; Juanita Beasley and Marlin Beasley 82t; Penina Kane 360; Caleb Allred 196; Lomax Ballinger 300; Rachel Allred 542; Robert Walker 480; Jennifer Allred 132; Seth Allred 72b; Judy Caudle and David Ivey 83t (by request), 187 (by request); Max Berueffy 532 (by request).

Jonathon Thompson led 62 and the class took the parting hand. Prayer was offered by David Ivey, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Jonathon Thompson; Vice Chairman—Arvid Holmes; Secretary—Judy Caudle.